SJR 8 Application Survey

Note: This application must be filled out by an elected official or staff member from the municipality that is applying for the pilot program.

Introduction:

SJR 8 directs Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) to create a pilot program to provide technical assistance for zoning and land use reform to participating local governments. The purpose of the program is to support local zoning reforms that expand housing options by allowing higher-density residential development, promoting diverse housing types, enhancing sustainability and walkability, and applying proven planning practices from other states.

DSHA will engage a technical assistance provider to work directly with participating local governments on implementing select zoning and land use reforms. We anticipate the TA provider will perform assessments of municipalities’ existing comprehensive plans, zoning/future land use map, and permitting processes; analyze local housing production trends and gaps; identify current land use regulations that prevent increased housing production and mixed-use development; suggest revised zoning ordinances; create educational materials and host public workshops. The provider will work with planning commissions and councils as needed to execute this scope of work.

Application Instructions:

Local governments that wish to apply for technical assistance as described above must complete the application below by 5:00 p.m. on October 31, 2025. DSHA seeks to assist as many local governments as possible; however, if interest exceeds capacity, we reserve the right to prioritize applications based on the number of reforms a jurisdiction is interested in pursuing as well as the staffing capacity of the jurisdiction’s planning/zoning department.

All applicant jurisdictions are required to complete Parts I and II of the application. Part I consists of 12 short answer/multiple-choice questions. Part II requires applicants to submit a signed resolution from their local governing body supporting the application and pledging to work with the technical assistance provider in such a manner as to facilitate the implementation of at least one zoning/land use reform to expand housing options. A template resolution can be found here.

Resolutions may be uploaded below (see Question 12) or emailed to Alexander.Modeas@delaware.gov with a CC to Caitlin.DelCollo@delaware.gov.

Application:

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* 1. Name of Local Jurisdiction

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* 2. Name and title of person completing form

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* 3. Email of person completing form

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* 4. If selected for technical assistance, would this person serve as the primary point of contact for DSHA and the TA provider?

Yes

If not, please list that person’s contact information here.

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* 5. Select all zoning and land use reforms that your jurisdiction is interested in implementing through this technical assistance opportunity:

Allow Accessory Dwelling Units and/or “missing middle” housing types as a permitted use in residential zones

Allow manufactured and/or modular homes placed on permanent foundations as a permitted use where single-family detached homes are permitted

Create pre-reviewed design plans for “missing middle” housing types

Increase buildable density for housing by reducing minimum lots sizes and bulk standards

Increase building heights for multifamily housing and/or mixed-use developments

Establish an inclusionary zoning program to address affordable and workforce housing needs

Allow higher density, mixed-use with residential in commercial zones or employment centers

Reduce parking requirements in areas zoned for residential and mixed-use to promote walkable communities and provide more affordable development opportunities

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* 6. DSHA has a separate pilot technical assistance program for disaster housing planning and preparedness. Would your jurisdiction be interested in receiving technical assistance through that program?

If yes, please email vanessa.cullen@delaware.gov with the subject line “TA for Disaster Housing”

Yes

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* 7. Is your jurisdiction interested in implementing any policies or actions to increase housing supply and diversity that are not listed in the menu above?

Yes

Maybe

If so, please list here.

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* 8. Is your jurisdiction currently engaged in any efforts to increase housing supply through zoning and land use changes, such as drafting new ordinances, establishing a working group, or hosting public forums or workshops?

Yes

If so, briefly explain here or attach relevant materials below.

SJR 8 Application

Question Title

* 1. Name of Local Jurisdiction

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* 2. Name and title of person completing form

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* 3. Email of person completing form

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* 4. If selected for technical assistance, would this person serve as the primary point of contact for DSHA and the TA provider?

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* 5. Select all zoning and land use reforms that your jurisdiction is interested in implementing through this technical assistance opportunity:

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* 7. Is your jurisdiction interested in implementing any policies or actions to increase housing supply and diversity that are not listed in the menu above?

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* 8. Is your jurisdiction currently engaged in any efforts to increase housing supply through zoning and land use changes, such as drafting new ordinances, establishing a working group, or hosting public forums or workshops?

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* 9. Attach relevant materials

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* 10. What kind of barriers or concerns do you anticipate regarding the implementation of zoning/land use reform?

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* 11. Please estimate how many hours per month your staff can commit to the engagement.

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* 12. Upload your resolution here or email separately to Alexander.Modeas@Delaware.gov and Caitlin.DelCollo@Delaware.gov.